--- Last Time ---
Visitor: Ah, My lords, I have a decree from the Mother I wish to inforce with your help.
Boy: Not even a hello. Seems that woman hasn't taught you manners, huh? Typical - the timing is impeccable as ever.
Child: Unfortunately war doesn’t grant time for pleasantries. Very well, what is the decree?
Visitor: Well-
--- Meeting Room, Main Camp, Unknown Location ---
*As per the instructions of their superiors, many soldiers, particularly the ones with power that relied on ‘emotions’ had been gathered into the main meeting tend in the middle of the camp. The tent, in order to prevent anything discussed inside, had been warded to prevent people from being able to listen in on the sensitive subjects that might be brought to the table. Still, none of them were entirely sure why they had been summoned so suddenly, and were somewhat restless as they waited for the meeting to finally begin and shed some light on the situation.*
*From the back of the tent, the majority of the generals gather before the soldiers. The air begins to grow tense as they sit before their men*
Soldier 1: I don’t remember doing something wrong. Do you?
Soldier 2: No. Maybe they want to re-assign us - it’s not the first time that’s been done, right?
Soldier 3: Maybe it’s about ‘that incident’? I’ve been hearing things lately.
Soldier 1: Hmm... You might be right. I mean, look at the line up of dummies here.
Soldier 3: Oi! Who are you calling a dummy!
Soldier 1: I repeat what I said: look at us. Every one of us use emotions as our amplifiers, whether we do so consciously or not…. Apparently we’re susceptible to the seduction of our enemy.
Soldier 2: True… but you’re not serious, right? That seed thing was just a rumor, it couldn’t possibly be a real thing, right?
Soldier 3: Well, maybe not, but… apparently the camps ‘fairy’ was effected. Remember when we saw her running out? I overheard some visiting gods talking.
*Suddenly, the Boy’s eyes glance over towards the chatting group, eyes down cast for the moment, but then look up as a comforting hand brings them back to there senses. The group continue with their discussion*
Soldier 1: Shit, seriously??? Damn, if even Master’s Fairy submits to ‘his’ will, then what snowball’s chance in hell do we have?
Soldier 2: Right…. Damn and apparently it’s bad, too, when your under ‘his’ influence. It’s like depression, anxiety, and torment all at once… Damn it! Now I’m scared.
Soldier 3: Stop it. You call yourself a divine soldier? You’re supposed to be stronger than this!
Soldier 4: But even I have to admit...the thought of someone tampering with our emotions… It’s frightening… I can only imagine what our little lady was going through… If they’ve gathered us here, then they must have a plan. I have faith in both our fairy and our Master. So... so even if you all lose hope, I will still have faith in our little lady.
*With those words, the group’s attention turns toward their leaders, a small flame fanned by the ever growing faith.*
*The Child calls for the attention of the Soldiers causing the murmur of anxious conversation to fall silent, waiting for the god to speak*
Child: Thank you, friends, for being patient. I apologize for the abruptness of this meeting, however, of late something has come to our attention. This subject has caused a lot of concern for everyone involved. However, if we are to overcome the trials that are ahead, I would ask for your cooperation now. Please rest assured, however, that we are working hard to ensure that the matter is dealt with as soon as possible.
*The Child scans the Soldiers a moment, looking for any sign that he might be interrupted or be met with any protest. However, seeming to realise that the topic of discussion was likely a serious one, the Soldiers remained silent. Nodding, the Child continued*
Child: You may have heard rumors going around about the newest plot of our enemy. I am here to inform you of what is rumour and what is truth, so that we may come to a swift solution without being hindered by incorrect speculations. As you may or may not know, our Enemy has begun a type of psychological attack. We have come to refer to this attack as ‘seeds’. What we know is that ‘He’ has begun to look for doubts in our soldiers, and plans seeds of suggestion, which enhances those negative emotions, plays on our fears and doubts. By doing so, it is likely that he hopes to cause insurrection in our people, causing us to be too preoccupied by internal conflicts to focus on ‘His’ ideas. The attack is a subtle one, as it might be at first glance difficult to tell if it is our own worries, or those enhanced by our enemy. What we have discovered, however, is that those who rely heavily on emotions as an amplifier may be more susceptible to the suggestions planted.
*The Child holds up a hand to prevent any sudden outcry*
Child: This is not to say that everyone here is being suspected of being under that suggestion, nor is is saying that everyone here will be targeted. However, it is to keep you aware. Those who are so intune with their emotions are also, when they know of a threat, good at recognising their emotions, or the emotions in others that might be abnormal behaviour. As such, it is in no one’s interest to keep any of you ignorant of the danger. Instead, what we hope to do is prepare you for it, so that none of you will become the puppet of our enemy. I believe in all of you here, in the strength of your characters, your integrity and most of all, I believe that, together, we can overcome this. However, in order to do you, you need to know of the dangers and, in doing so, a counter can be made.
Already, we have teams that are helping to create a cure for those who have shown signs of this, and to find a way to make our people immune to ‘His influence. However, in the meantime, prevention is also key. As such, we hope to have your cooperation.
*Time goes by and a few voices raise, attempting to suggest possible counter measures, as well as the ‘plan’ to counteract the damages already caused by their enemy*
Soldier 5: What about that plan…? Well, one of your back up plans to numb our emotions for a while. I personally think that would work best for me. I can raise my strength another way… some of us here are the same. But there are some that it won’t work for.
Soldier 6: Yeah. Personally, my power relies on my emotions, otherwise I’m pretty much useless. *Nervous laugh* So… I think that those like myself need another way.
*Listening to their conversation, the Boy slowly backs away from his seat, making his way towards the exit, a precarious thought popping into his head, as H begins to answer the questions*
Master H: Indeed, this was a concern for us, and has been brought to our attention before this. There are a few methods that we have discussed, though currently it is unknown how effective it will be in the long term. We hope that it won’t be used for a long period, of course, same with the numbing of emotion, which is why we have teams specialised in creating a true counter. Still, we do have some methods that we have discussed.
Firstly, meditation. This is a method that some of those who need to control themselves may already be aware of. There are some meditative techniques which could help to work through one's doubts and fears and enable calm rationality. It may also help people to become aware of any discrepancies in their emotions as well, allowing them to identify if something they have been feeling is themselves, or due to the Seed.
Secondly, we have considered a ‘buddy system’. That means that you may be placed into teams. That way, if anyone begins to act strangely, or out of character, it might also help to identify it quickly enough to counter, or even snap the person out of the influence. It has been seen that people with a close bond are capable of doing so. As teams tend to go through so much together and have high levels of trust in each other, the bonds of camaraderie may be enough to prevent someone from falling to ‘His’ influence.
*Master H continues with several more points to the Soldiers, giving them various ways to cope with the influences, to control them, or to avoid the influences themselves. The meeting continues while the Boy slips away from the tent.
*With his idea in mind, the Boy makes his way back into the Child's tent, briefly searching for his lantern and charm - an instrument to request an audience with his Master. After a time chanting to summon an audience, Lord Thanatos answers*
Lord Thanatos: On death’s door you knock, and here I have answered. What troubles you, my child?
Boy: Master, you paid me a visit, I apologise I was not able to properly greet you… but, um… I have a question to ask you. I think… I think I may have figured it out…or, maybe I’m wrong, but this amplifier ‘He’s’ using is, well, if it's the same father used to charge his weapon… well… then this amplifier of his has two sides. Like fathers weapon, like Master [childs name] blade is based on, it has the power to change hearts… so then… maybe I’m just rambling, I don't know…
Lord Thanatos: Sometimes the greatest ideas may seem strange or impossible at first. However, that doesn’t mean that there is no possibility in them becoming a reality. Speak your thoughts - there is always a possibility that, what you hear as ‘rambles’ may provide an answer we seek. Do you believe that a weapon such as that owned by Her chosen, or your father might hold some key? Or do you see another way? Please, continue.
Boy: humm… i don't think i’ll be able to go completely numb, i wall into the category where i need my emotions to use and amplify my powers and give me strength, i can't simply let it all go not without rigorous training but, to be truthful to myself, you you master. Allot of my fears i’ve had them since i was a child. Even if you tell me that i'm equal to the goddesses back home i don't feel i am, even if my lover tells me i can stand by him freely i do not feel i have that right, even if you say i’ll be able to lead my father's tribe one day I’m scared to… there MY personal fears… but then saying that… i can only assume that the others have similar fears there doubt, there fears are caused by their own insecurities. If i.. We can get to the root of it all and have faith in each other then. Then i think maybe! Just maybe we can push back. But them that's just my wishful thinking…
*The elder god stepped forward, gently moving the Boy’s chin so that he would look up towards his face, before placing both hands on the Boy’s shoulders*
Lord Thanatos: Such great power and potential in you, and yet is is so often marred by your own insecurities. My child, every living being has doubts, fears and insecurities that would seek to prevent them from reaching their true potential. But it is as you say, there are those who believe in you, who would aid you, if ever you stumble, and help you if you fall. But you need to have faith in them in return, even if you don’t always have faith in yourself. Believe in those who believe in you. For they know what you cannot see. I know what you cannot. I am death, there is no truth that can be hidden from me. I see the true you, and I know you have the strength of heart to overcome this. Can you do that? Can you hold faith in those who believe in you?
Boy: Strength in oneself and others, huh?... Ah, I got it!!!! Master, quickly, before the meeting’s over, teach me how to…
*After a short while of being hastily taught a new skill by his master, the Boy returns to the meeting place that the group was still gathered at. The air is still tense as the boy pokes his head through the gap in the tent, making eye contact with his four ‘friends’ and his lover. Slowly and elegantly, he strode towards the rest of the gods, rhythmically twirling and stamping the lantern-staff, it’s decorations letting out a faint jingle, the light emitting from it creating shapes resembling the soldiers, their strength and their fellow soldiers fighting alongside them, a comforting thought for each of them. The faint glow disappears into the symbol of the camp and the boy begins to speak*
Boy: If I could have your attention for the moment… like many of you, my abilities depend heavily on my feelings. *Places a hand on his heart* But, I won't let the negativity get to me. I won't be seduced by his influence… not that way again. And, even when I fail, I know I can rely on you all and you can count on us. Those that lead you, those who you serve along by, we’re all just as afraid, but… but, if we pull through this together by figuring out the roots of our fear and dealing with them, then ‘He’ has no power. None that we will give him. I believe in you all, as I believe that this is the best way forward. A-am I right?
*The boy looks around at the other gods to see there reactions. The Child, who had been silent, stunned by the Boy’s actions, suddenly started to smile, eyes glistening slightly with pride and relief, in love and conviction that the Boy would not be so easily controlled by the enemy. Other gods as well seemed to relax a little. It was known that the Boy was a prominent user of power that relied on emotions and had those who looked up to him. With him believing in them all and himself, it helped to ease much of the tension in the room.*
Master H: It does seem that belief in yourself and those around you is a very good countermeasure. I’m glad! See, already we have people who will not give in, no matter what, even with their emotions. Can we count on you, too, to have faith in each other, and yourselves? Because I know that I certainly have faith in all of you.
Boy: *Sigh* I’m glad that worked. Now I just have to believe it too. No, I do believe it.
*The Boy slowly makes his way towards the Child, the staff gradually getting lighter as he does so*
Boy [inner thought]: I see...so, you made it heavier so long as my heart felt weighed down, huh? Well, I think I understand now. Just as my doubts weighed down my heart, and so, to, weighed down my weapon and dimmed it light, my doubts and fears would also affect those around me, like the people here. These people - no, my comrades - we will all be fighting side by side. Just as I am the wielder of this Lantern, once I become a leader to them, I cannot be weight down by my own doubts. My worries, my fears, all these things will affect them. How can they believe in me, in how I lead them, in my plans and strategies, if I can’t overcome my own doubts and step forwards with confidence? I can’t be as I am now, this weak person who is just filled with doubts, not when there are so many people who have placed their faith in me, who trust their lives to me. I will overcome what weakens me and become someone that can be a pillar of strength in times of trial, yet remain understanding, the way my heart dictates. That way, I think - no, I know, I and everyone else here can become truly strong.
*With the boy’s newfound resolve, he inched closer to the god, but, slowly, his legs give out from under him as relief sets in. Gripping the staffed weapon tightly for support, he cocks his head to the side*
Boy: Please bear me no mind, I’ve never used the light in this lantern to do something like this before. I just need a minute. I’ll get to work on a draft for our plan as soon as my legs awaken, haha.
*The Child makes their way to the Boy’s side and places a hand on their shoulder, smiling*
Child: Well done. I knew you could do it. If I could, I would let you rest properly, but….right now, you’ve become a beacon to these people. So, come
*Making it seem as though they were guiding rather than supporting the boy from collapsing, at least where the Soldiers were concerned, the Child aided the Boy into the seat at his right side, offering him an encouraging smile*
Boy: Yes, thank you, Master… The plan I have is simple, but effective *Snapped his fingers*
*A small stacks of handouts appear before the Boy. Aided by an attendendant, the handouts were distributed*
Boy: All of you, please read these. As some of you may know, my master is Lord Thanatos, he… he has the ability to see past the facade each and every being has, to their true self and their emotions. As I said before, dealing with the root of our issues is the best course of action, so, with the help of our leaders before us, I intent to build a safe place for us to express our anxieties and cleanse both our souls and ease some of the fears we have. My master has arranged for counselors to become residents at this base by the coming week. You all are to see them regularly, for even the smallest thing… don't keep it to yourself and let it fester. If you don’t feel like you can tell them, then talk to us. That is all I have to say - the rest is in the handouts. That is all.
*With those words, the boy rested his head on the table, his eyes growing heavy, then finally come to a close. As the world goes dark around him, a familiar, gentle voice resonates at the back of his mind*
Thanatos Voice: Well done little one. Now sleep, let them do what needs to be done. Do not fear; with this, the other children will be safe too.
*Seeing their love asleep at the table, the Child removed their outer robe and gently covers the Boy with it, allowing him the rest he deserved, before turning to the soldiers once more, a smile on his face*
Child: Well then, let’s begin with the plans.
[End]
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